CLEARFIELD, Iowa — A 19-year-old man was fatally shot in the early hours of Thursday morning, sparking an ongoing investigation by Taylor County authorities. The incident occurred outside a local bar in the small town of Clearfield, Iowa.
Around 3:20 a.m., dispatchers received several calls reporting a shooting at Bootleggers Bar and Grill, located on Broadway Street. Responding deputies found the young man, later identified as Colby Nelson of Lenox, lying unresponsive on the ground with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
A suspect, standing near an SUV close to Nelson’s body, was quickly detained by the authorities. Identified as 37-year-old Alan Schultz of Bedford, the man allegedly confessed to the shooting. Witnesses at the scene also reported seeing Schultz shoot Nelson.
Initial investigations suggest the shooting stemmed from a previous altercation inside the bar. According to witness statements, Schultz and Nelson had been involved in a disagreement that escalated after Schultz attempted to leave. Schultz reportedly left the scene on his motorcycle but returned shortly afterward in a different vehicle, armed with a loaded handgun.
Authorities reported that Schultz confronted Nelson twice before shooting him in the face. He then discharged the remainder of his handgun’s ammunition before deputies arrived at the scene. Following the incident, Schultz was apprehended and transported to the Taylor County Jail, where he was booked on suspicion of first-degree murder.
A forensic autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Nelson’s body by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny to further investigate the cause of death. The results might provide more clarity to the case and potentially contribute to the prosecution’s examination of the events that led to Nelson’s demise.
The community of Clearfield, often peaceful and close-knit, has been shaken by the violence. Local residents expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, highlighting concerns about safety in areas usually considered safe.
While the motive behind the murder has been loosely attributed to the bar dispute, investigators are diligently working to piece together the timeline of events that escalated to the tragic outcome. The Taylor County Sheriff’s office has yet to determine if alcohol was a factor in the altercation.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain tight-lipped about additional details, focusing on gathering evidence and witness testimonies. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI), leading the investigation, has emphasized that releasing further information might compromise the ongoing investigative process.
The tragedy has underscored the impact of gun violence in small communities, igniting discussions on public safety and the need for more stringent measures to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the community holds its breath, awaiting justice for a young life cut tragically short.